The auction room at New York’s Rockefeller Center was full on 17 June, with strong participation from online and phone bidders. It was clear early on that Christie’s Magnificent Jewels sale would be a success. All 138 lots were sold, bringing in a total of $87.7 million. This was the highest result ever for a mixed-lot jewellery auction at the house.
See also: An Exceptional Pink Diamond with Royal Provenance at Christie’s
One of the most anticipated pieces was the Marie-Thérèse Pink, a rare 10.38-carat pink diamond once owned by Marie Thérèse, Duchess of Angoulême and daughter of Marie Antoinette. Estimated at $5 to $7 million, it sold for $13,980,000 (about £10,437,390). The result set two records: one for a fancy purple-pink diamond, and one for a jewel by JAR, the Paris-based jeweller who designed the striking ring that holds the gem. There was speculation that Marie Antoinette herself may have worn the diamond, though this remains unconfirmed.
See also: JAR: The Most Mysterious Jewellery Brand in the World
The Marie-Thérèse Pink was the highest-selling lot of the auction. It was followed by the Blue Belle, a 392.52-carat sapphire that brought in $11,335,000 (about £8,462,650), within its $8 to $12 million estimate.
A record was also set with the sale of a Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Set brooch from the collection of Lucille Coleman. The floral design, set with rubies and diamonds, exceeded its estimate of $400,000 to $600,000 and sold for $1,562,500 (about £1,166,530). This is the highest price ever achieved at auction for a Mystery Set jewel.
See also: Van Cleef & Arpels: 5 Things to Know
Several other pieces saw strong results. A diamond necklace by Harry Winston sold for $2,409,500 (estimate $1.4 to $1.8 million). An Art Deco bracelet by Cartier fetched $831,600 (estimate $200,000 to $300,000). A necklace by JAR from the collection of Anne H. Bass achieved $1,502,000 (estimate $200,000 to $300,000).
See also: Harry Winston: Jeweller to the Stars
Jewellery from an Indian Mughal royal collection also attracted major interest. A necklace with carved emeralds sold for $6,221,000 (estimate $2 to $3 million). Another emerald necklace sold for $5,555,550, and a three-strand necklace with spinels and natural pearls went for $3,014,500.
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Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s International Head of Jewellery, said: “This season’s results highlight the tremendous demand for jewels of exceptional rarity, provenance, and craftsmanship. In addition to the regal splendour of the Marie-Thérèse Pink diamond and the Blue Belle sapphire, private collections and superb jewels were met with enthusiastic and competitive bidding driven by our team's passionate expertise. These successes underscore Christie’s global reach, market leadership and enduring commitment to delivering the best possible outcome for our clients.”
While New York’s spring art auctions were slow, the results from Magnificent Jewels suggest that exceptional jewellery continues to appeal to buyers. Even in uncertain economic times, rare pieces remain in demand and are seen as stable investments.
